natural wonder
Mount Aso Caldera
One of the world's largest volcanic calderas in Kyushu with an active smoking crater and vast green grasslands.
21 km · about 25 min drive
Kumamoto, Japan · Asia
Kawahara is worth a stop: 15 minutes from Ōzu, 21km from Mount Aso Caldera.
Kawahara is a town located in Kumamoto, Japan. With a population of 6,426, it is an important destination in Asia.
On a road trip, Kawahara sits in Japan, where you drive on the left. It's in the Asia/Tokyo time zone. Below you'll find where to stay, things to do nearby, and everything you need to add Kawahara to your route.
Nishihara (西原村, Nishihara-mura) is a village located in Aso District, Kumamoto Prefecture, Japan. As of 31 August 2024, the village had an estimated population of 7035 in 3044 households, and a population density of 91 persons per km2. The total area of the village is 77.22 km2 (29.81 sq mi).
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Kawahara offers many attractions including tourist sites, museums, parks, and local restaurants. Explore famous landmarks, scenic roads, and natural wonders on our interactive map and plan your visit.
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Kawahara is located in Kumamoto, Japan, Asia. The coordinates are 32.8067 latitude, 130.8975 longitude.
Kawahara has a population of approximately 6,426 people, making it a town in Japan.
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Essential numbers in Japan
Japan Helpline (24h English assistance): 0570-000-911. An International Driving Permit (1949 convention) is required to drive.
Full driving guide for Japan7 notable places within an hour's drive.
natural wonder
One of the world's largest volcanic calderas in Kyushu with an active smoking crater and vast green grasslands.
21 km · about 25 min drive
photogenic
A moss-covered stone stairway of roughly 100 steps climbing through cedar forest to a shrine below a rock face pierced by a huge natural window. Reached by a short walk from a small car park in the Aso caldera.
25 km · about 30 min drive
landmark
A hot-spring village in the Aso highlands that banned neon and concrete facades, so wooden inns and stone-walled riverside baths dominate. A single wooden pass grants entry to three open-air baths of your choice.
38 km · about 45 min drive
waterfall
A broad, low curtain of water falling from an overhanging ledge, allowing visitors to walk along a path behind the entire span of the fall. A short descent from the car park in northern Kumamoto.
39 km · about 45 min drive
natural wonder
A narrow chasm of columnar basalt cliffs cut by the Gokase River, with the Manai Falls dropping 17 m directly into the water. Rowing boats can be hired to reach the base of the falls.
39 km · about 45 min drive
landmark
A narrow ravine village straddling the Kumamoto–Oita border where steam vents rise between old wooden inns and footbridges. In spring hundreds of carp streamers are strung across the gorge.
44 km · about 50 min drive
racetrack
A hillside circuit on the island of Kyushu in Japan, known for dramatic elevation changes and hosting Super GT and Super Formula.
49 km · about 55 min drive
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